U.S. patent application number 14/586204 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for method and system for queued e-reading screen saver.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kobo Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Kobo Incorporated. Invention is credited to Benjamin LANDAU.
Application Number | 20160189406 14/586204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56164837 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160189406 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LANDAU; Benjamin |
June 30, 2016 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR QUEUED E-READING SCREEN SAVER
Abstract
A method for queued e-reading screen saver is provided. The
method for queued e-reading screen saver includes determining a
computing device is in a sleep mode, providing a screen saver image
to display on the computing device during the sleep mode, accessing
a content queue associated with a user and augmenting the screen
saver image with content from the content queue.
Inventors: |
LANDAU; Benjamin; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kobo Incorporated |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kobo Incorporated
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
56164837 |
Appl. No.: |
14/586204 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/776 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 2330/022 20130101;
Y02D 10/00 20180101; G06F 3/0412 20130101; Y02D 10/153 20180101;
G09G 2380/14 20130101; G06F 1/3265 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06T 11/60 20060101
G06T011/60; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; G06F 3/0483 20060101 G06F003/0483 |
Claims
1. A method executed in a processor of a computing device, the
computing device further including a touch screen display, a memory
storing instructions and an e-book having content displayable
according to a series of digitally constructed pages, the method
comprising: determining said computing device is in a sleep mode;
providing a screen saver image to display on said computing device
during said sleep mode; accessing a content queue associated with a
user; and augmenting said screen saver image with content from said
content queue.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said screen saver image is a cover
page of a book said user is currently reading.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said screen saver image is
augmented with content that is next in said content queue.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said screen saver image is
augmented with a periodical.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said periodical is displayed
within said screen saver image when it is available for
viewing.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said content queue is customizable
by said user.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving indication
said user is not interested in said content from said content queue
that is displayed on said screen saver image.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: removing said content
from said content queue.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: overlaying a cover
image of a next in queue content on said screen saver image.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: overlaying a back
cover image of a next in queue content on said screen saver
image.
11. A computer-readable medium that stores instructions and an
e-book for a computing device, the computing device including a
processor and a memory storing instructions and an e-book having
digital content, the instructions being executable by the processor
to cause the computing device to perform operations that include:
determining said computing device is in a sleep mode; providing a
screen saver image to display on said computing device during said
sleep mode; accessing a content queue associated with a user; and
augmenting said screen saver image with content from said content
queue.
12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11 wherein said screen
saver image is a cover page of a book said user is currently
reading.
13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 wherein said screen
saver image is augmented with content that is next in said content
queue.
14. The computer-readable medium of claim 11 wherein said screen
saver image is augmented with a periodical.
15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14 wherein said
periodical is displayed within said screen saver image when it is
available for viewing.
16. The computer-readable medium of claim 11 wherein said content
queue is customizable by said user.
17. A computing device comprising: a memory that stores a set of
instructions and an e-book having digital content arranged in a
series of digitally constructed pages; a touch screen display; and
a processor that access the instructions in memory, the processor
further configured to: determining said computing device is in a
sleep mode; providing a screen saver image to display on said
computing device during said sleep mode; accessing a content queue
associated with a user; and augmenting said screen saver image with
content from said content queue.
18. The computing device of claim 17 wherein said screen saver
image is a cover page of a book said user is currently reading.
19. The computing device of claim 18 wherein said screen saver
image is augmented with content that is next in said content
queue.
20. The computing device of claim 17 wherein said content queue is
customizable by said user.
21. The computing device of claim 17 wherein said processor is
further configured for receiving indication said user is not
interested in said content from said content queue that is
displayed on said screen saver image.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Examples described herein relate to a system and method for
operating a computing device in providing a randomizer
functionality and memorization interface within an e-book.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An electronic personal display is a mobile computing device
that displays information to a user. While an electronic personal
display may be capable of many of the functions of a personal
computer, a user can typically interact directly with an electronic
personal display without the use of a keyboard that is separate
from, or coupled to, but distinct from the electronic personal
display itself. Some examples of electronic personal displays
include mobile digital devices/tablet computers and electronic
readers (e-readers) such (e.g., Apple iPad.RTM., Microsoft.RTM.
Surface.TM., Samsung Galaxy Tab.RTM. and the like), handheld
multimedia smart phones (e.g., Apple iPhone.RTM., Samsung Galaxy
S.RTM., and the like), and handheld electronic readers (e.g.,
Amazon Kindle.RTM., Barnes and Noble Nook.RTM., Kobo Aura HD, Kobo
Aura H2O, Kobo GLO and the like).
[0003] Some electronic personal display devices are purpose built
devices designed to perform especially well at displaying digitally
stored content for reading or viewing thereon. For example, a
purpose build device may include a display that reduces glare,
performs well in high lighting conditions, and/or mimics the look
of text as presented via actual discrete pages of paper. While such
purpose built devices may excel at displaying content for a user to
read, they may also perform other functions, such as displaying
images, emitting audio, recording audio, and web surfing, among
others.
[0004] Electronic personal displays are among numerous kinds of
consumer devices that can receive services and utilize resources
across a network service. Such devices can operate applications or
provide other functionality that links a device to a particular
account of a specific service. For example, the electronic reader
(e-reader) devices typically link to an online bookstore, and media
playback devices often include applications that enable the user to
access an online media electronic library (or e-library). In this
context, the user accounts can enable the user to receive the full
benefit and functionality of the device.
[0005] Yet further, such devices may incorporate a touch screen
display having integrated touch sensors and touch sensing
functionality, whereby user input commands via touch-based gestures
are received thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments
and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain
principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this brief
description of the drawings should not be understood as being drawn
to scale unless specifically noted.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a system utilizing applications and
providing e-book services on a computing device configured for
operation in randomizing a selected content portion of an e-book
stored thereon, in an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic architecture of a computing
device configured for operation in randomizing a selected content
portion of an e-book stored thereon, according to an
embodiment.
[0009] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate example embodiments for operations
related to a screen saver with provided content displayed a
computing device having a touch screen display.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operation of a computing
device for providing content on a screen saver, according to an
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system for
providing content on a screen saver, according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the subject matter discussed herein
will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will
be understood that they are not intended to limit the subject
matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the presented
embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and
equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of
the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
Furthermore, in the Description of Embodiments, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of embodiments of the present subject matter. However, embodiments
may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits
have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure
aspects of the described embodiments.
[0013] Embodiments include discovery of new content in reading
queue of user e-library account even while device is not being used
and in sleep state via a screen saver interface presentation.
[0014] In one embodiment, in a device sleep mode, a screen saver
may be presented showing, for example, the current e-book being
read by the user at a given device linked to a user e-library
account. Embodiments include widening the content displayed via the
screen saver interface to include representations, serially or in
combination, of e-books acquired in the user's e-library, awaiting
e-reading next by the user.
[0015] In one embodiment, the input to the screen saver includes
e-books of that e-reading queue, however the queue is set up by the
user. E-books in this case include e-periodicals such as
e-magazines and e-comics, so that if the user has e-subscriptions,
once any new issues are "pushed" to the user's e-library account,
they are allowed (via user setting for their account) to enter the
e-reading queue and the user may become aware of them as potential
"next reads" via the screen saver interface rendering.
[0016] In an embodiment, the "next read" e-books cycle serially
through the screen saver, superimposed upon the usual "current
read" depicted there. Optionally, the user may "X" them out from
such cyclic presentations via the interface.
Notation and Nomenclature
[0017] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
present Description of Embodiments, discussions utilizing terms
such as "receiving", "accessing", "directing", "storing",
"disabling", "suspending", or the like, often refer to the actions
and processes of an electronic computing device/system, such as an
electronic reader ("eReader"), electronic personal display, and/or
a mobile (i.e., handheld) multimedia device, among others. The
electronic computing device/system manipulates and transforms data
represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the
circuits, electronic registers, memories, logic, and/or components
and the like of the electronic computing device/system into other
data similarly represented as physical quantities within the
electronic computing device/system or other electronic computing
devices/systems.
[0018] "E-books" are a form of electronic publication content
stored in digital format in a computer non-transitory memory,
viewable on a computing device with suitable functionality. An
e-book can correspond to, or mimic, the paginated format of a
printed publication for viewing, such as provided by printed
literary works (e.g., novels) and periodicals (e.g., magazines,
comic books, journals, etc.). Optionally, some e-books may have
chapter designations, as well as content that corresponds to
graphics or images (e.g., such as in the case of magazines or comic
books). Multi-function devices, such as cellular-telephony or
messaging devices, can utilize specialized applications (e.g.,
specialized e-reading application software) to view e-books in a
format that mimics the paginated printed publication. Still
further, some devices (sometimes labeled as "e-readers") can
display digitally-stored content in a more reading-centric manner,
while also providing, via a user input interface, the ability to
manipulate that content for viewing, such as via discrete
successive pages.
[0019] An "e-reading device," also referred to herein as an
electronic personal display, can refer to any computing device that
can display or otherwise render an e-book. By way of example, an
e-reading device can include a mobile computing device on which an
e-reading application can be executed to render content that
includes e-books (e.g., comic books, magazines, etc.). Such mobile
computing devices can include, for example, a multi-functional
computing device for cellular telephony/messaging (e.g., feature
phone or smart phone), a tablet computer device, an ultramobile
computing device, or a wearable computing device with a form factor
of a wearable accessory device (e.g., smart watch or bracelet,
glasswear integrated with a computing device, etc.). As another
example, an e-reading device can include an e-reader device, such
as a purpose-built device that is optimized for an e-reading
experience (e.g., with E-ink displays).
[0020] One or more embodiments described herein provide that
methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are
performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented method.
Programmatically means through the use of code or
computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performed step
may or may not be automatic. For example, in one or more
embodiments, a content discovery is provided that uses information
of an existing reading/reader queue, showing details of their
progress through existing lists of e-books (as compiled either by a
resource store or assembled by a broader e-reading community or
entity).
[0021] One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented
using programmatic modules or components. A programmatic module or
component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a
program, or software or a hardware component capable of performing
one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, a module or
component can exist on a hardware component independently of other
modules or components. Alternatively, a module or component can be
a shared element or process of other modules, programs or
machines.
[0022] Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein may be
implemented through instructions that are executable by one or more
processors. These instructions may be carried on a
computer-readable medium. Machines shown or described with figures
below provide examples of processing resources and
computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing
embodiments described can be carried and/or executed. In
particular, the numerous machines shown may include processor(s)
and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions.
Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory
storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or
servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include
portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash or solid
state memory (such as carried on many cell phones and consumer
electronic devices) and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals,
network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices such as cell phones)
are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors,
memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums.
Additionally, embodiments may be implemented in the form of
computer programs, or a computer usable carrier medium capable of
carrying such a program.
System and Hardware Description
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a system 100 for utilizing
applications and providing e-book services on a computing device,
according to an embodiment. In an example of FIG. 1, system 100
includes an electronic personal display device, shown by way of
example as an e-reading device 110, and a network service 120. The
network service 120 can include multiple servers and other
computing resources that provide various services in connection
with one or more applications that are installed on the e-reading
device 110. The device 110 includes screen saver logic 199 for
implementing a content driven screen saver mode described
herein.
[0024] By way of example, in one embodiment, the network service
120 can provide e-book services which communicate with the
e-reading device 110. The e-book services provided through network
service 120 can, for example, include services in which e-books are
sold, shared, downloaded and/or stored. More generally, the network
service 120 can provide various other content services, including
content rendering services (e.g., streaming media) or other
network-application environments or services.
[0025] The e-reading device 110 can correspond to any electronic
personal display device on which applications and application
resources (e.g., e-books, media files, documents) can be rendered
and consumed. For example, the e-reading device 110 can correspond
to a tablet or telephony/messaging device (e.g., smart phone). In
one implementation, for example, e-reading device 110 can run an
e-reader application that links the device to the network service
120 and enables e-books provided through the service to be viewed
and consumed.
[0026] In another implementation, the e-reading device 110 can run
a media playback or streaming application that receives files or
streaming data from the network service 120. By way of example, the
e-reading device 110 can be equipped with hardware and software to
optimize certain application activities, such as reading electronic
content (e.g., e-books). For example, the e-reading device 110 can
have a tablet-like form factor, although variations are possible.
In some cases, the e-reading device 110 can also have an E-ink
display.
[0027] In additional detail, the network service 120 can include a
device interface 128, a resource store 122 and a user account store
124. The user account store 124 can associate the e-reading device
110 with a user and with an account 125. The account 125 can also
be associated with one or more application resources (e.g.,
e-books), which can be stored in the resource store 122. The device
interface 128 can handle requests from the e-reading device 110,
and further interface the requests of the device with services and
functionality of the network service 120.
[0028] The device interface 128 can utilize information provided
with a user account 125 in order to enable services, such as
purchasing downloads or determining what e-books and content items
are associated with the user device. Additionally, the device
interface 128 can provide the e-reading device 110 with access to
the content store 122, which can include, for example, an online
store. The device interface 128 can handle input to identify
content items (e.g., e-books), and further to link content items to
the account 125 of the user.
[0029] As described further, the user account store 124 can retain
metadata for individual accounts 125 to identify resources that
have been purchased or made available for consumption for a given
account. The e-reading device 110 may be associated with the user
account 125, and multiple devices may be associated with the same
account. As described in greater detail below, the e-reading device
110 can store resources (e.g., e-books) that are purchased or
otherwise made available to the user of the e-reading device 110,
as well as to archive e-books and other digital content items that
have been purchased for the user account 125, but are not stored on
the particular computing device.
[0030] With reference to an example of FIG. 1, e-reading device 110
can include a display screen 116. In an embodiment, the display
screen 116 is touch-sensitive, to process touch inputs including
gestures (e.g., swipes). For example, the display screen 116 may be
integrated with one or more touch sensors 138 to provide a touch
sensing region on a surface of the display screen 116. For some
embodiments, the one or more touch sensors 138 may include
capacitive sensors that can sense or detect a human body's
capacitance as input. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch sensing
region coincides with a substantial surface area, if not all, of
the display screen 116. Additionally, a housing can also be
integrated with touch sensors to provide one or more touch sensing
regions, for example, on the bezel and/or back surface of the
housing.
[0031] In some embodiments, the e-reading device 110 includes
features for providing functionality related to displaying
paginated content. The e-reading device 110 can include page
transitioning logic 115, which enables the user to transition
through paginated content. The e-reading device 110 can display
pages from e-books, and enable the user to transition from one page
state to another. In particular, an e-book can provide content that
is rendered sequentially in pages, and the e-book can display page
states in the form of single pages, multiple pages or portions
thereof. Accordingly, a given page state can coincide with, for
example, a single page, or two or more pages displayed at once. The
page transitioning logic 115 can operate to enable the user to
transition from a given page state to another page state. In some
implementations, the page transitioning logic 115 enables single
page transitions, chapter transitions, or cluster transitions
(multiple pages at one time).
[0032] The page transitioning logic 115 can be responsive to
various kinds of interfaces and actions in order to enable page
transitioning. In one implementation, the user can signal a page
transition event to transition page states by, for example,
interacting with the touch sensing region of the display screen
116. For example, the user may swipe the surface of the display
screen 116 in a particular direction (e.g., up, down, left, or
right) to indicate a sequential direction of a page transition. In
variations, the user can specify different kinds of page
transitioning input (e.g., single page turns, multiple page turns,
chapter turns, etc.) through different kinds of input.
Additionally, the page turn input of the user can be provided with
a magnitude to indicate a magnitude (e.g., number of pages) in the
transition of the page state.
[0033] For example, a user can touch and hold the surface of the
display screen 116 in order to cause a cluster or chapter page
state transition, while a tap in the same region can effect a
single page state transition (e.g., from one page to the next in
sequence). In another example, a user can specify page turns of
different kinds or magnitudes through single taps, sequenced taps
or patterned taps on the touch sensing region of the display screen
116.
[0034] E-reading device 110 can also include one or more motion
sensors 130 arranged to detect motion imparted thereto, such as by
a user while reading or in accessing associated functionality. In
general, the motion sensor(s) 130 may be selected from one or more
of a number of motion recognition sensors, such as but not limited
to, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope and a camera.
Further still, motion sensor 130 may incorporate or apply some
combination of the latter motion recognition sensors.
[0035] In an accelerometer-based embodiment of motion sensor 135,
when an accelerometer experiences acceleration, a mass is displaced
to the point that a spring is able to accelerate the mass at the
same rate as the casing. The displacement is then measured thereby
determining the acceleration. In one embodiment, piezoelectric,
piezoresistive and capacitive components are used to convert the
mechanical motion into an electrical signal. For example,
piezoelectric accelerometers are useful for upper frequency and
high temperature ranges. In contrast, piezoresistive accelerometers
are valuable in higher shock applications. Capacitive
accelerometers use a silicon micro-machined sensing element and
perform well in low frequency ranges. In another embodiment, the
accelerometer may be a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
consisting of a cantilever beam with a seismic mass.
[0036] In an alternate embodiment of motion sensor 130, a
magnetometer, such as a magnetoresistive permalloy sensor can be
used as a compass. For example, using a three-axis magnetometer
allows a detection of a change in direction regardless of the way
the device is oriented. That is, the three-axis magnetometer is not
sensitive to the way it is oriented as it will provide a compass
type heading regardless of the device's orientation.
[0037] In another embodiment of motion sensor 130, a gyroscope
measures or maintains orientation based on the principles of
angular momentum. In one embodiment, the combination of a gyroscope
and an accelerometer comprising motion sensor 135 provides more
robust direction and motion sensing.
[0038] In yet another embodiment of motion sensor 130, a camera can
be used to provide egomotion, e.g., recognition of the 3D motion of
the camera based on changes in the images captured by the camera.
In one embodiment, the process of estimating a camera's motion
within an environment involves the use of visual odometry
techniques on a sequence of images captured by the moving camera.
In one embodiment, it is done using feature detection to construct
an optical flow from two image frames in a sequence.
[0039] For example, features are detected in the first frame, and
then matched in the second frame. The information is then used to
make the optical flow field showing features diverging from a
single point, e.g., the focus of expansion. The focus of expansion
indicates the direction of the motion of the camera. Other methods
of extracting egomotion information from images, method that avoid
feature detection and optical flow fields are also contemplated.
Such methods include using the image intensities for comparison and
the like.
[0040] According to some embodiments shown in FIG. 2, the e-reading
device 110 includes display sensor logic 135 to detect and
interpret user input or user input commands made through
interaction with the touch sensors 138. By way of example, the
display sensor logic 135 can detect a user making contact with the
touch sensing region of the display screen 116. More specifically,
the display sensor logic 135 can detect taps, an initial tap held
in sustained contact or proximity with display screen 116
(otherwise known as a "long press"), multiple taps, and/or swiping
gesture actions made through user interaction with the touch
sensing region of the display screen 116. Furthermore, the display
sensor logic 135 can interpret such interactions in a variety of
ways. For example, each interaction may be interpreted as a
particular type of user input corresponding with a change in state
of the display 116. The device 110 also includes screen saver logic
199 for implementing a content driven screen saver mode described
herein and may couple with the display sensor logic for receiving
user inputs via interaction with the display screen.
[0041] For some embodiments, the display sensor logic 135 may
further detect the presence of water, dirt, debris, and/or other
extraneous objects on the surface of the display 116. For example,
the display sensor logic 135 may be integrated with a
water-sensitive switch (e.g., such as an optical rain sensor) to
detect an accumulation of water on the surface of the display 116.
In a particular embodiment, the display sensor logic 135 may
interpret simultaneous contact with multiple touch sensors 138 as a
type of non-user input. For example, the multi-sensor contact may
be provided, in part, by water and/or other unwanted or extraneous
objects (e.g., dirt, debris, etc.) interacting with the touch
sensors 138. Specifically, the e-reading device 110 may then
determine, based on the multi-sensor contact, that at least a
portion of the multi-sensor contact is attributable to presence of
water and/or other extraneous objects on the surface of the display
116.
[0042] E-reading device 110 further includes motion gesture logic
137 to interpret user input motions as commands based on detection
of the input motions by motion sensor(s) 130. For example, input
motions performed on e-reading device 110 such as a tilt, a shake,
a rotation, a swivel or partial rotation and an inversion may be
detected via motion sensors 130 and interpreted as respective
commands by motion gesture logic 137.
[0043] E-reading device 110 further includes extraneous object
configuration (EOC) logic 119 to adjust one or more settings of the
e-reading device 110 to account for the presence of water and/or
other extraneous objects being in contact with the display screen
116. For example, upon detecting the presence of water and/or other
extraneous objects on the surface of the display screen 116, the
EOC logic 119 may power off the e-reading device 110 to prevent
malfunctioning and/or damage to the device 110. EOC logic 119 may
then reconfigure the e-reading device 110 by invalidating or
dissociating a touch screen gesture from being interpreted as a
valid input command, and in lieu thereof, associate an alternative
type of user interactions as valid input commands, e.g., motion
inputs that are detected via the motion sensor(s) 130 will now be
associated with any given input command previously enacted via the
touch sensors 138 and display sensor logic 135. This enables a user
to continue operating the e-reading device 110 even with the water
and/or other extraneous objects present on the surface of the
display screen 116, albeit by using the alternate type of user
interaction.
[0044] In some embodiments, input motions performed on e-reading
device 110, including but not limited to a tilt, a shake, a
rotation, a swivel or partial rotation and an inversion may be
detected via motion sensors 130 and interpreted by motion gesture
logic 137 to accomplish respective output operations for e-reading
actions, such as turning a page (whether advancing or backwards),
placing a bookmark on a given page or page portion, placing the
e-reader device in a sleep state, a power-on state or a power-off
state, and navigating from the e-book being read to access and
display an e-library collection of e-books that may be associated
with user account store 124.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates architecture, in one embodiment, of
e-reading device 110 as described above with respect to FIG. 1. In
one embodiment, the e-reading device provides a content discovery
mode 217 that uses information of an existing reading/reader
statistics 299, where users will be shown details of their progress
through existing title list 399 of e-books (as compiled either by a
resource store or assembled by a broader e-reading community or
entity. The reading statistics 299 can be used to drive content via
a screen saving mode, as provided by the screen saver logic 199.
For example, during a screen saving mode, the user could be shown
the cover of the next book in their queue.
[0046] The processor 210 can implement functionality using the
logic and instructions stored in the memory 250. Additionally, in
some implementations, the processor 210 utilizes the network
interface 220 to communicate with the network service 120 (see FIG.
1). More specifically, the e-reading device 110 can access the
network service 120 to receive various kinds of resources (e.g.,
digital content items such as e-books, configuration files, account
information), as well as to provide information (e.g., user account
information, service requests etc.). For example, e-reading device
110 can receive application resources 221, such as e-books or media
files, that the user elects to purchase or otherwise download via
the network service 120.
[0047] The application resources 221 that are downloaded onto the
e-reading device 110 can be stored in the memory 250. In one
embodiment, memory 250 comprises a user title list 399 dedicated to
storing a list of the content read by the user and may store titles
that can be recommended to the user based on the user's reading
history and reading statistics 299. In one embodiment, the user
title list 399 is generated automatically based on filtering rules
set by the user. User title list 399 may also include one or more
rules that can be used to generate content discovery.
[0048] In some implementations, the display 116 can correspond to,
for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode
(LED) display that illuminates in order to provide content
generated from processor 210. In some implementations, the display
116 can be touch-sensitive. For example, in some embodiments, one
or more of the touch sensor components 138 may be integrated with
the display 116. In other embodiments, the touch sensor components
138 may be provided (e.g., as a layer) above or below the display
116 such that individual touch sensor components 116 track
different regions of the display 116. Further, in some variations,
the display 116 can correspond to an electronic paper type display,
which mimics conventional paper in the manner in which content is
displayed. Examples of such display technologies include
electrophoretic displays, electrowetting displays, and
electrofluidic displays.
[0049] The processor 210 can receive input from various sources,
including the touch sensor components 138, the display 116, and/or
other input mechanisms (e.g., buttons, keyboard, mouse, modules,
microphone, etc.). With reference to examples described herein, the
processor 210 can respond to input 231 detected at the touch sensor
components 138. In some embodiments, the processor 210 responds to
inputs 231 from the touch sensor components 138 in order to
facilitate or enhance e-book activities such as generating e-book
content on the display 116, performing page transitions of the
displayed e-book content, powering off the device 110 and/or
display 116, activating a screen saver, launching or closing an
application, and/or otherwise altering a state of the display 116.
In one embodiment, the processor responds to commands from the
screen saver logic 199 and may perform a method of content driven
screen saving, as described herein.
[0050] In some embodiments, the memory 250 may store display sensor
logic 135 that monitors for user interactions detected through the
touch sensor components 138, and further processes the user
interactions as a particular input or type of input. In an
alternative embodiment, the display sensor logic 135 may be
integrated with the touch sensor components 138. For example, the
touch sensor components 138 can be provided as a modular component
that includes integrated circuits or other hardware logic, and such
resources can provide some or all of the display sensor logic 135.
In variations, some or all of the display sensor logic 135 may be
implemented with the processor 210 (which utilizes instructions
stored in the memory 250), or with an alternative processing
resource.
[0051] In one implementation, the display sensor logic 135 includes
detection logic 213 and gesture logic 215. The detection logic 213
implements operations to monitor for the user contacting a surface
of the display 116 coinciding with a placement of one or more touch
sensor components 138. The gesture logic 215 detects and correlates
a particular gesture (e.g., pinching, swiping, tapping, etc.) as a
particular type of input or user action. The gesture logic 215 may
also detect directionality so as to distinguish between, for
example, leftward or rightward swipes.
Screen Saver Mode for Content Discovery
[0052] Embodiments include a screen saver logic mode for discovery
of new content in reading queue of user e-library account even
while device is not being used and in sleep state via a screen
saver interface presentation.
[0053] FIGS. 3A and 3B show an e-Reading device in a sleep mode
according to various embodiments. In one embodiment, in a device
sleep mode, a screen saver 320 may be presented showing, for
example, the current e-book being read by the user at a given
device linked to a user e-library account. For example, FIG. 3A
shows the cover image of "Moby Dick" as the screen saver 320.
Embodiments include widening the content displayed via the screen
saver interface to include representations, serially or in
combination, of e-books acquired in the user's e-library, awaiting
e-reading next by the user.
[0054] In one embodiment, the input to the screen saver includes
e-books of a user's e-reading queue. In one embodiment, the queue
is set up and managed by the user. E-books in this case could
include e-periodicals such as e-magazines and e-comics, so that if
the user has e-subscriptions, once any new issues are "pushed" to
the user's e-library account, they are allowed (via user setting
for their account) to enter the e-reading queue and the user may
become aware of them as potential "next reads" via the screen saver
interface rendering.
[0055] For example, the screen saver 320 of FIG. 3A is augmented
with images of a first periodical 325 and a second periodical 326
that are overlaid on the image of the cover of "Moby Dick." In this
example, the user may subscribe to these magazines and the screen
saver image presented may indicate the new issues are available for
viewing. In an alternate embodiment, various magazines could be
presented to the user that they are not a subscriber, but the
content discovery logic has determined the user may like one or
more of the magazines.
[0056] In an embodiment, the "next read" e-books cycle serially
through the screen saver, superimposed upon the usual "current
read" depicted there. Optionally, the user may "X" them out from
such cyclic presentations via the interface hot button 350.
[0057] In one example, the content displayed over the screen saver
image could be animated or could move around the display screen.
For example, while FIG. 3A shows the magazine images 325 and 326 on
the bottom of the display, FIG. 3B shows the magazine images 325
and 326 on the side of the display.
[0058] In one embodiment, the screen saver image 320 is a cover
page of a book a user is currently reading. In one embodiment, the
screen saver image 320 is augmented with content that is next in
the content queue. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B show "Men's Health"
and "Better Homes" magazine and may be next in queue for a user. In
one embodiment, the magazine issues are shown on the screen saver
320 as they are available.
Methodology
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of providing a content
redaction mode of operation of an e-Reader, according to one or
more embodiments. In describing the example of FIG. 4, reference
may be made to components such as described with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
for purposes of illustrating suitable components and logic modules
for performing a step or sub-step being described.
[0060] With reference to the example of FIG. 4, at 402, method 400
includes determining a computing device is in a sleep mode. For
example, to save battery life, an e-reading device may enter a
sleep mode and may use screen saver logic to provide an image on
the display during the sleep mode.
[0061] At 404, method 400 includes providing a screen saver image
to display on the computing device during the sleep mode. For
example, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, screen saver image 320 is
displayed.
[0062] At 406, method 400 includes accessing a content queue
associated with a user. For example, a user's content queue may be
stored in the user title list 399 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the
content in the queue may be user customizable and may include
content that a content discovery module has determined a user may
be interested in.
[0063] At 408, method 400 includes augmenting the screen saver
image with content from the content queue. For example, the screen
saver 320 of FIG. 3A is augmented with images of a first periodical
325 and a second periodical 326 that are overlaid on the image of
the cover of "Moby Dick."
[0064] In an embodiment, the screen saver logic accesses a list of
"next read" e-books and cycles serially through the images on the
screen saver, superimposed upon the usual "current read" image.
Optionally, the user may "X" them out from such cyclic
presentations via the interface hot button 350 of FIGS. 3A and
3B.
Example Computer System Environment
[0065] With reference now to FIG. 5, all or portions of some
embodiments described herein are composed of computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in
computer-usable/computer-readable storage media of a computer
system. That is, FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a type of
computer (computer system 500) that can be used in accordance with
or to implement various embodiments of an e-Reader, such as
e-Reader 100, which are discussed herein. It is appreciated that
computer system 500 of FIG. 5 is only an example and that
embodiments as described herein can operate on or within a number
of different computer systems.
[0066] System 500 of FIG. 5 includes an address/data bus 504 for
communicating information, and a processor 210A coupled to bus 504
for processing information and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 5,
system 500 is also well suited to a multi-processor environment in
which a plurality of processors 210A, 210B, and 210C are present.
Processors 210A, 210B, and 210C may be any of various types of
microprocessors. For example, in some multi-processor embodiments,
one of the multiple processors may be a touch sensing processor
and/or one of the processors may be a display processor.
Conversely, system 500 is also well suited to having a single
processor such as, for example, processor 210A.
[0067] System 500 also includes data storage features such as a
computer usable volatile memory 508, e.g., random access memory
(RAM), coupled to bus 504 for storing information and instructions
for processors 210A, 210B, and 210C. System 500 also includes
computer usable non-volatile memory 510, e.g., read only memory
(ROM), coupled to bus 504 for storing static information and
instructions for processors 210A, 210B, and 210C. Also present in
system 500 is a data storage unit 512 (e.g., a magnetic or optical
disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 504 for storing information and
instructions.
[0068] Computer system 500 of FIG. 5 is well adapted to having
peripheral computer-readable storage media 502 such as, for
example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, digital versatile disc,
universal serial bus "flash" drive, removable memory card, and the
like coupled thereto. In some embodiments, computer-readable
storage media 502 may be coupled with computer system 500 (e.g., to
bus 504) by insertion into removable a storage media slot.
[0069] System 500 also includes or couples with display 116 for
visibly displaying information such as alphanumeric text and
graphic images. In some embodiments, system 500 also includes or
couples with one or more optional touch sensors 138 for
communicating information, cursor control, gesture input, command
selection, and/or other user input to processor 210A or one or more
of the processors in a multi-processor embodiment. In some
embodiments, system 500 also includes or couples with one or more
optional speakers 150 for emitting audio output. In some
embodiments, system 500 also includes or couples with an optional
microphone 160 for receiving/capturing audio inputs. In some
embodiments, system 500 also includes or couples with an optional
digital camera 170 for receiving/capturing digital images as an
input.
[0070] Optional touch sensor(s) 230 allows a user of computer
system 500 (e.g., a user of an eReader of which computer system 500
is a part) to dynamically signal the movement of a visible symbol
(cursor) on display 116 and indicate user selections of selectable
items displayed. In some embodiment other implementations of a
cursor control device and/or user input device may also be included
to provide input to computer system 500, a variety of these are
well known and include: trackballs, keypads, directional keys, and
the like.
[0071] System 500 is also well suited to having a cursor directed
or user input received by other means such as, for example, voice
commands received via microphone 160. System 500 also includes an
input/output (I/O) device 520 for coupling system 500 with external
entities. For example, in one embodiment, I/O device 520 is a modem
for enabling wired communications or modem and radio for enabling
wireless communications between system 500 and an external device
and/or external network such as, but not limited to, the Internet.
I/O device 520 may include a short-range wireless radio such as a
Bluetooth.RTM. radio, Wi-Fi radio (e.g., a radio compliant with
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11
standards), or the like.
[0072] Referring still to FIG. 5, various other components are
depicted for system 500. Specifically, when present, an operating
system 522, applications 524, modules 526, and/or data 528 are
shown as typically residing in one or some combination of computer
usable volatile memory 408 (e.g., RAM), computer usable
non-volatile memory 510 (e.g., ROM), and data storage unit 512. For
example, modules 526 may include various application modules such
as a screen saver mode for providing a screen saver during a sleep
mode, a receiving module for receiving a request to enter a content
discovery mode from a user, an accessor module for accessing a
reading history related to the user, a reading statistics module
for gathering and storing user reading histories and reading
statistics, a user title list module for maintaining a user title
list and possible discovered titles, a content filter module for
filtering titles according to filtering rules, a content management
module for managing a library for a user and a content purchasing
module for completing financial transactions associated with adding
content to the user's library.
[0073] In some embodiments, all or portions of various embodiments
described herein are stored, for example, as an application 524
and/or module 526 in memory locations within RAM 508, ROM 510,
computer-readable storage media within data storage unit 512,
peripheral computer-readable storage media 502, and/or other
tangible computer readable storage media.
[0074] Although illustrative embodiments have been described in
detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings,
variations to specific embodiments and details are encompassed by
this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of embodiments
described herein be defined by claims and their equivalents.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature
described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be
combined with other individually described features, or parts of
other embodiments.
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